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Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid
The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid was introduced in the 2006 model year as an optional engine configuration on this hugely popular truck. The Hybrid configuration is expected to produce an increased fuel economy of 10% by simply adding a motor and generator to the existing Vortec 4800 V8 engine to drive or at least help drive the wheels under low load situations.
Recent Changes
The 2007 model Silverado has had many small changes both inside and out. Chevy has strayed from its trend of sharing similar from ends across vehicle lines like the Tahoe to produce a new and very pleasing looking vehicle. The 2007 Silverado seems as to have gained some size and girth but has borrowed elements from its little brother the Colorado which may make this seem skewed at first glance. Other options that seem to have been normally limited to the mid-size market vehicle have found their way onto the 2007 Silverado such as roof rails, fog lights and nerf bars.
Styles and Major Options
- 4x2 Extended Cab 6.5' box 143.5" WB 1LT
- 4x2 Extended Cab 6.5' box 143.5" WB 2LT
- 4x4 Extended Cab 6.5' box 143.5" WB 1LT
- 4x4 Extended Cab 6.5' box 143.5" WB 2LT
Optional equipment on the Silverado Hybrid is for the most part identical to the regular Silverado’s with some minor variations. When all is said and done Chevrolet believes that consumers who are interested it the new technology would shy away if there were large sacrifices to make.
Even though fuel savings are limited Chevrolet has found another attractive feature that can be utilized from the hybrid power system. A pair of 110V outlets are available located in the rear bed sidewall and under seat which can prove very useful when power outlets are unavailable such as on a job site or a fishing trip.
Pricing
Adopters of hybrid vehicles usually expect to pay quite a premium price for the new technology. Chevrolet has decided that placing the fuel saving technology in some of their more fuel hungry vehicles at a lower cost then a more efficient purer hybrid vehicle would also be beneficial. Even though fuel savings is at a minimum customers can expect to pay only another $1500 or so compared to their conventional counterparts without sacrificing power and performance. This line of trucks should fair well with consumers.
Gas Mileage
The 2007 Chevy Silverado Hybrid uses what is considered a Light Hybrid System utilizing three fuel saving methods:
- Engine off at idle.
- Deceleration fuel cutoff.
- Regenerative braking.
Equaling out to a 10% improvement in fuel economy.
Reliability
Reliability information unavailable at present time although last years Silverado ranked highest in initial quality in the large pickup segment in the J.D. Power and Associates2006 Initial Quality Study.
Safety
Crash test information unavailable at present time.
Safety and security features included standard:
- Driver and passenger air bags.
- Vehicle anti-theft.
- Remote power door locks.
Photos
Colors
Black
Blue Granite Metallic
Dark Blue Metallic
Dark Green Metallic
Graystone Metallic
Sandstone Metallic
Silver Birch Metallic
Sport Red Metallic
Summit White
Victory Red
Unique Attributes
- With an unhindered powertain under the hood few would even recognize the 2007 Silverado as a hybrid vehicle. This is the reaction was expected and celebrated by General Motors as they themselves refer to the Silverado Hybrid as "mild hybrid technology".
- Portable generator on wheels. This is the kind of technological common sense that will usher new users to this technology. Where saving the environment for generations to come sometimes is reason enough others just really need someplace to plug in their circular saw.
Criticisms
Are they kidding? 18 mpg?
